How to swing a golf club

For beginners who want a repeatable swing that meets the ball clean and sends it forward.

IJR · Sep 26, 2026 · 2 min read

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Every solid swing rotates around one steady spine tilt. That single move keeps the club on its arc so the face meets the ball square.

You'll need a 7-iron, one golf ball, and open grass or a mat. Wear flat-soled shoes and clothes loose enough to turn in.

1: GRIP the club with your lead hand so the handle runs across the fingers from the base of the little finger to the middle joint of the index. — **1: GRIP** the club with your lead hand so the handle runs across the fingers from the base of the little finger to the middle joint of the index.

Place the trail hand below so the palms face each other and both thumbs point down the shaft. You see exactly two knuckles on the lead hand when it sits right; if you see four, rotate the lead hand a quarter-turn toward the target.

2: SET your feet shoulder-width apart with the ball just inside your lead heel. — **2: SET** your feet shoulder-width apart with the ball just inside your lead heel.

Flex the knees and hinge at the hips until the arms hang straight down. Weight sits on the balls of the feet; rock a touch forward if you feel it in the heels, rock back if you feel it in the toes.

3: ALIGN the clubface square to a spot three feet ahead on the target line while your feet run parallel to that line. — **3: ALIGN** the clubface square to a spot three feet ahead on the target line while your feet run parallel to that line.

Hips and shoulders match the feet. A shaft laid across the toes points left of the target for a right-handed swing; slide the trail foot back one inch if that line aims straight at the flag.

4: RAISE the club back by turning the shoulders until the lead arm sits parallel to the ground. — **4: RAISE** the club back by turning the shoulders until the lead arm sits parallel to the ground.

The shaft points near vertical and your back faces the target at the top. If the club loops behind you, push the clubhead straight back the first twelve inches before you turn.

5: DRIVE the trail hip toward the target to start the downswing from the ground up. — **5: DRIVE** the trail hip toward the target to start the downswing from the ground up.

Arms and club follow after the hip clears. Weight shifts onto the lead foot before the hands pass waist height; if the shoulders spin first, pause at the top and bump the hip forward three slow times.

6: SWEEP the club through the ball so the sole brushes grass just after contact. — **6: SWEEP** the club through the ball so the sole brushes grass just after contact.

Head stays steady while the chest keeps turning to the target. A crisp click and a shallow divot starting past the ball mark clean contact; if the strike feels thin, make three half-swings that clip the turf before the next full try.

7: HOLD the finish balanced on the lead foot with the club over the lead shoulder and the belt buckle facing the target. — **7: HOLD** the finish balanced on the lead foot with the club over the lead shoulder and the belt buckle facing the target.

Trail foot rests on its toe. Count two full seconds before you lower the club; if you lose balance, shorten the next backswing and finish with both arms high.

The most common mistake

Most players stand up out of their posture before impact. Keep the same spine tilt you set at address all the way past the ball.

Pro tip

Say “back and through” out loud on every swing to keep the same tempo from start to finish.

Say it every time

Soft grip, still head, clear the hip, brush and freeze.

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The most common mistake

Pro tip

Say it every time

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